ADVENT 2023

Week 4
December 24

 

Week 4

Daily Reflections

(to view the Reflections,
click on one of the images below
to open the photo gallery)
 
 
 
 
 

Opening Song

This is Jesus
We Are Messengers
 

Opening Prayer

O Emmanuel,
may this wreath and its light remind us
that it is Jesus who came to fulfill all our desires.
Bless this wreath and all who gather around it
as we prepare our hearts to celebrate Christmas.
 
Come, Lord Jesus, bring HOPE, PEACE, JOY, and LOVE to our world.
 
(Light the fourth candle of the Advent Wreath; Purple)
 

Gospel Reading

A Reading from the holy Gospel according to Saint Luke.
 
The angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,
to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph,
of the house of David,
and the virgin’s name was Mary.
 
And coming to her, he said,
“Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.”
 
But she was greatly troubled at what was said
and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
 
Then the angel said to her,
“Do not be afraid, Mary,
for you have found favor with God.”
 
(Luke 1:26-30)
 
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.
 
 
 

Reflection

A wonderful way to share the Holy Spirit with others is through our presence, bringing them the presence of the Lord who dwells within us. We make visible to others the LOVE of the Lord when we bring His LOVE to them in their time of need, even if we are in need ourselves!
 
 
 

Children’s Video

Saint Nicholas
Brother Francis
 

Meditation

For Unto Us  –  LOVE
by Lo Alaman
 

Questions to Contemplate

What things make you skeptical, doubtful, or troubled?
 
Are you ready to take on the responsibility of raising a child?
 
How does knowing we are favored by God help us to cope?
 
How does having the Lord with us give us an endless reserve of LOVE?
 
In what ways is our infinite and Almighty God LOVE?
 
 
 

Closing Prayer

Jesus, may the light of Your Love always shine in our hearts. As Christmas draws closer, we marvel at Your great Love for us. Let Your Love transform every aspect of our lives and touch everyone we encounter. Our hearts are open to You, O Emmanuel.
 
 

Closing Song

O Come, O Come Emmanuel
Peter Hollens